Spotlight On: Joseph Cox, President & CEO, Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS)
May 2025 — In an interview with Invest: Joseph Cox, president and CEO of the Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS), discussed the importance of science museums have on the local community and their contributions to local STEM workforce development. “There is truly an increasing need to support children’s STEM learning, which will support the next generation of engineers, scientists, inventors, and more,” Cox said.
What were the key milestones for the museum in the past year?
We had an incredible year. In the summer of 2023, we visited the White House to receive the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services — the highest honor a national museum can achieve. The past 12-18 months have demonstrated that MODS is energized, growing, and deeply engaged with our community.
In August, we opened the Discovery Spot, a $6 million immersive early learning exhibit designed for children ages six and under and their families. This investment aligns with the needs of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s expanding young family demographic. Since its launch, MODS has seen a 20% increase in tourist visitors, with guests spending an average of $30-$40 per person at local retailers and restaurants. The Museum’s overall economic impact is $33.3 million annually, contributing to the development of the community’s labor force by supporting 506 jobs, $22.1 million in personal income to residents, and generating $6 million in tax revenue at the local, state, and federal levels.
We also introduced a new interactive exhibit in collaboration with MAGNA-TILES®, a leading educational toy brand from Chicago, creating an interactive space where children explore magnetism, geometry, and creative construction. This hands-on experience fosters problem-solving and engineering skills for children as young as 2 years old.
The AutoNation® IMAX® Theater, Florida’s only venue for 15/70mm film, is South Florida’s premier cinematic destination. Last summer, our sold-out, six-week run of Oppenheimer drew guests from across the U.S. and the Caribbean, reaffirming MODS as a regional entertainment hub.
Beyond our exhibits and entertainment, MODS shapes STEM education and workforce discussions. As companies relocate to Broward County, they assess and evaluate local communities, including cultural institutions. Alongside the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and other local cultural organizations, MODS strengthens the county’s reputation as a cultural and educational powerhouse.
How is the museum contributing to the growth of STEM fields?
Science museums are integral to local education ecosystems, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, playing a pivotal role in workforce development. The global innovation race is accelerating, with breakthroughs in AI, nuclear fusion, and climate change solutions. The question is: Will the United States lead this innovation? We believe that today’s science museum guests are tomorrow’s pioneers. MODS ensures that today’s learners become tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, and innovators. We achieve this by focusing on early learning that advances children’s cognitive abilities, builds the foundation for school readiness and lifelong learning, and provides opportunities for meaningful knowledge and skill acquisition developed through content-rich, playful learning experiences.
MODS supports workforce development through two year-round, paid internships for high-school students: Aviation Academy and EcoExplorers. These provide hands-on experience in aviation and environmental sustainability. Companies like Florida Power & Light are expanding solar initiatives but face talent shortages. Airlines and aviation manufacturers face shortages of technicians and pilots as well. MODS is committed to being part of the talent pipeline.
Our STEMobile outreach program continues to grow, now operating five mobile units and reaching nearly 75,000 children. Thanks to our community partners, we provide STEM education to many Title I schools, community centers, libraries, and non-profit social service youth agencies at no cost.
MODS is a STEM-rich cultural institution that is an essential part of the local and national education ecosystem. MODS understands the importance of building a solid foundation for STEM literacy. This foundation provides people of all ages with lifelong access to high-quality STEM education, preparing them for the jobs of today and tomorrow, fostering economic development, and enabling the public to address important national, local, and global priorities.
What challenges are museums facing?
The world is evolving rapidly. While we receive state-level funding, federal funding reductions remain a concern, particularly from agencies like the National Science Foundation and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Fortunately, our local partners in Broward County recognize the economic and societal value of cultural institutions.
One pressing challenge is the decline in individual volunteerism, though corporate volunteer participation has significantly increased. Many companies now seek opportunities to engage their employees in STEM education and environmental conservation at MODS.
Despite the rise of digital entertainment competing for audience engagement, MODS continues to grow, especially among younger guests, by offering immersive, hands-on experiences that digital platforms cannot replicate. Guests can pilot a plane over the Everglades, come face-to-face with a life-sized Megalodon, examine real Imperial Mammoth fossils, and explore cutting-edge technology that fosters creativity and critical thinking. These unique experiences solidify MODS as a premier destination for interactive STEM learning.
What are the top priorities and goals for the museum?
One challenge we continue to address is the rise of digital home entertainment. Despite this, museum attendance continues to grow, particularly among younger audiences. MODS provides tactile experiences that digital platforms cannot replicate. Guests can gaze at the stars in our Geodome Planetarium and design houses resilient to the impact of hurricanes and flooding in The Hangar Makerspace.
At the same time, we are thoughtfully integrating new technologies into our exhibits. We are collaborating with Broward Health to revamp our Powerful You! exhibit, which will showcase cutting-edge medical advancements.
Expanding access remains a priority. Over the past five years, we’ve worked to ensure that every family knows about MODS’ accessibility programs. Our Museum for All initiative allows families receiving SNAP benefits to visit for just $3 per person, contributing to the initiative’s national impact of allowing more than $4 million to be reintroduced into the local economy.
We also participate in the Blue Star Museums program, providing free admission to active military families from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day. Additionally, we offer free sensory-friendly programs for children with special needs.
One of the greatest things is that the corporate community is actively investing in the Museum, which makes many of the programs viable for the local community. Additionally, we continue to strengthen corporate and community partnerships, ensuring MODS remains a leader in STEM education, workforce development, and cultural engagement for generations to come.
MODS is more than a museum — it is a catalyst for innovation, a hub for STEM education, and an economic force in South Florida. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to inspiring the next generation, fostering meaningful partnerships, and ensuring access to high-quality STEM learning experiences for all.
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